I’d Hate to Ghost Her

I submitted Form 1632 (Request for Medical Assistance in Dying—MAiD) last week. A VCH Care Coordinator contacted me to ask if it was urgent. I explained that I don’t plan to die this month because I have an appointment with my oncologist at the end of it, and I’d hate to ghost her; she wouldn’t be happy.

Now I’m afraid I might have failed the first assessment. It's a once-in-a-lifetime kind of event, so I don't want to mess up.

MAiD: I have a prior commitment to not ghosting my oncologist

PS

As it happens, I’ve just had a visit from the doctor who will be providing MAID, and I passed the first assessment with flying colors! One more assessment and I’ll be good to go!

I’d like to clarify my thinking about MAiD, especially as some of you have expressed concern that my health condition forced me to make this decision. This is not the case.

Some people perceive that submitting an application is a sign that things have deteriorated to the point where death is just around the corner. Because of that, they often wait until they are in critical condition before starting the process.

I see it differently. I view the application as a formality that is better to get out of the way while I’m still doing fairly well. It allows me to decide with a clear mind, think through all the aspects, and—most importantly—have open conversations with family and friends. When I think of 'the foreseeable future,' I’m thinking anywhere from six months to six years. As the authorities put it, I just want to have this 'in my back pocket.'